An Insider’s Guide to Key West, Florida
With good reason, Key West, the southernmost island in the Florida Keys archipelago, has gained a reputation as an eccentric island retreat.
Situated 256 kilometers to the southwest of Miami, the island has the charm of old Florida, complete with decaying villas in the Caribbean style, overgrown tropical vegetation, and friendly inhabitants who are always happy to talk about their hometown. With the help of our Key West guide, discover the island’s top attractions, thrilling outdoor activities, and exciting nightlife.
Beginning
On a “Duval Crawl” around Key West’s main drag, take in the quirky character of the island by stopping by some of the famous bars and souvenir shops on Duval Street. Alternatively stroll along peaceful streets to see majestic homes covered in blooming plants, or quaintly run-down ones distinguished by quirky front porch accents like an antique bathtub converted into a fish tank.
The Conch Tour Train offers a hop-on-hop-off option for exploring the unique character of the island. Since 1958, it has transported tourists past the island’s top sights, including the Historic Seaport, the Little White House of former US President Harry Truman, and the Maritime Museum of treasure seeker Mel Fisher, all while providing commentary on their respective roles in the island’s colorful past.
Take a brave step into the island’s paranormal history with the Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour after dark. The 1.5-hour tour delves into Key West’s eerie past and includes stops at the African Slave Cemetery and Robert the Doll, the toy that locals believe is demonic and cursed.
Traditional Attractions
Constructed in the middle of the 1800s to safeguard the coastline of the United States, Fort Zachary Taylor was crucial in both the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. It is now a component of a state park. Visit Truman Beach, one of Key West’s most beautiful beaches, where you may swim, sunbathe, and have a picnic after taking a guided tour.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to pay your respects to one of Key West’s most well-known inhabitants, the esteemed author. Discover more about “Papa’s” legacy on the island and visit the desk he used to write at by going on a guided tour.
The sunset, Mother Nature’s daily grand finale, is celebrated with such grandeur only in Key West. An hour before dusk, make your way to Mallory Square, which has a view of the water, to see jugglers, fire eaters, and musicians play till the sun sets. Pay close attention. The audience explodes in cheers as someone blasts a conch shell like a trumpet at precisely the moment the sun sets.
Additionally, you can travel to the southernmost tip in the United States. Stroll to the island’s tip and snap a picture next to the concrete buoy designating the location.
Visit the home that belonged to one of Key West’s most beloved residents, writer Ernest Hemingway.
Dining and Nightlife
There is no lack of bars in Key West, and the drinking culture there is strong. Sloppy Joe’s, an island classic, is a great place to hang out with other travelers and enjoy live music. Alternatively, you may meet locals at the Green Parrot, a laid-back bar with inexpensive beer, sparkling green ceiling lights, and walls filled with local memorabilia. Caroline’s Cafe has a veranda where you may have a mojito or margarita for additional tropical cocktails. At Santiago’s Bodega, creative tapas-style dishes are served. Make time for a sumptuous brunch at Blue Heaven, where patrons enjoy a beautiful courtyard view of Key West’s notorious roosters.
Pie, especially tart Key lime pie, is the dish most associated with Key West.
Outdoor Excursions
Take a Fury Water Adventures excursion to increase the level of excitement. The outdoor outfitter provides kayaking, jet ski, snorkeling, and parasailing excursions around the island’s mangrove woods and coral reefs.
One of the outdoor activities available in Key West is kite surfing.
Getting There and Where to Stay
The best way to go to Key West is to rent a car in Miami and travel 260 kilometers on US Route 1. You’ll drive through the main islands of the Keys and over the Seven Mile Bridge, encircled by glistening blue ocean, after leaving Miami’s urban scene behind. Along the way, make a stop at Keys Fisheries Market & Marina on Marathon Key for a hearty meal of fresh seafood and a slice of tangy Key lime pie, a Florida Keys favorite. There are buses and shuttles that run from Miami to Key West.
Embracing inns line the streets of Key West. Duval Street is a block away from the Lighthouse Hotel, which is located across from the Hemingway residence. It provides poolside breakfast and cozy bungalow-style rooms.
In Key West, residents and travelers celebrate every sunset with originality and style.
